Witnesses share what happened moments before man climbed into tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
After reports of a man being attacked by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park yesterday (10 October), police confirmed that he had died at the scene.
He was seen entering the tiger enclosure at the park near Doncaster with witnesses sharing what happened in the moments before.
South Yorkshire Police were called at 1:35pm on Saturday as the man, who has not yet been named, made his way in.
Witnesses described ‘chaotic’ scenes at the park as the sound of ‘shots’ were reportedly heard. One told LADbible: “People near us were saying how they'd been near the tiger enclosure when they'd seen a young man climbing the fence into the enclosure where he had provoked the tigers which then retaliated.”
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Police confirmed the man was ‘attacked’, resulting in ‘serious injury’ as emergency services were unable to save him.
Witnesses describe the moments before
One told The Mail on Sunday that the man seemed to ‘psyche himself up’ with a ‘dance’ in the spectator are before climbing into the enclosure.
A woman who had been at the park claimed on Facebook that he had his ‘AirPods in dancing’ and ‘happily enjoying seeing the tiger’.
“He obviously wasn't with anyone and he asked a total stranger to take a picture of him with the tiger in the background,” she claimed. She believed he ‘just wanted to play with the tiger’.
Another person who had also scene him in the viewing area with his ‘ear pods’ in commented: “It's incredibly sad and people really do need to show more compassion. I agree that the park handled it really well and ensured everyone stayed calm when we were leaving.”
The tiger, called Altai, was not injured in the incident and remained in its enclosure.
Police statement
In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said: "At 1.35pm today (Saturday 10 October) we received reports of a man entering a tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
“The tiger subsequently attacked the man, resulting in serious injury.
"Emergency services attended and sadly, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The man's family is aware and is being supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.
"Regarding rumours surrounding the condition of the tiger, the animal was uninjured and remained in the enclosure following the incident and there is no wider risk to the public.
"Following the incident, Yorkshire Wildlife Park was evacuated and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries. We are aware of videos circulating online and we would encourage people not to share this footage.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Park statement
Having closed for the remainder of the weekend, the park shared on Saturday: “We can confirm that a serious incident has occurred today at the tiger enclosure.
“Our emergency response procedures were immediately activated, and emergency services are currently attending the scene. We are working closely with the authorities to ascertain exactly what happened.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and animals remain our highest priority. The park is now closed and will remain closed tomorrow.”
Jess Battison